Video Q&A: Regulating Microplastics, Mitigating Macro Risks

A conversation with Dr. Scott Coffin, California State Water Resources Control Board

Recently, the State of California announced its intention to require microplastics testing be done to protect its drinking water supplies. California often plays the Canary-in-a-Coal-Mine role on environmental issues – bringing critical questions to the forefront that impact all testing labs, not just in California.

QUESTIONS INCLUDE:

• How did the California State Water Resources Control Board become involved in the issue of microplastics in drinking water?
• What are the specific regulations and how will they be implemented?
• What types of testing is required to detect microplastics in drinking water?
• What waters will be tested, the frequency of testing, who will perform collection and testing?
• How practical are these treatment technologies?

To learn more about California’s approach and this new legislation, we spoke with Dr. Scott Coffin, a research scientist at the Division of Drinking of the California State Water Resources Control Board who is developing regulations for microplastics for the state.

For a deeper dive, download our infographic, “The Environmental Impact of Microplastics.”